BMW M Retention

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by KevinM

It's hard. I want M to survive and understand why certain decisions are made due to financial and market realities. I'll keep my E39 M5 and Z4 M coupe forever, as these represent (to me) a high point for the M division; well, really, I just enjoy driving them more than anything!

The new M5 is a case in point. It has to compete against the E63 S and there is a extreme minority of buyers for that class of car that want a manual transmission. So we have AWD (well done, IMO given the rear-wheel bias and the 2WD option, and needed given the engine's power output), auto transmission, etc.

Why am I still with BMW M? MTs on the M2, M3/4. I think that is it. When no-one offers MTs, I'll shop around for my one new car and continue to enjoy my M5 and M coupe.

Well said Kevin! I'm in the same boat that you are. As long as they keep producing a MT ///M car, you can count me in.

[bloke79]

Really like my M4 - but it's my first BMW. Have had plenty of different fast car brands in the past, so will assess whats available when I'm ready to buy my next one.

[hi_officer]

@ about 90 votes, the results are interesting.

Still a high number of die-hard M fans that will / most likely will buy the new gen M cars, but a full 31% that probably won't buy.

Obviously, I don't know why the 31% won't be buying the next gen M cars (financial position has changed, moved to a city where car is not needed, likes other cars, etc.) but it's still 31% of an enthusiast community.

Perhaps, BMW is correct in that appealing to a wider, non-enthusiast audience is more lucrative than appeasing the die-hard fans only. Perhaps, they have struck a balance with their cars.

I have a friend down hear in DFW, he drives an M4. He told me he really isn't sure why he bought it other than it looked good and it's more of a status thing. He is thinking of trading it in on a new X3 . For every enthusiast who carves backroads, AutoXs, tracks, or just admires... I suspect there's 5 people the likes of my friend

[Mikecom32]

When you look at what is happening in the domestic market, it makes me question where BMW M is going to go, performance wise. US manufacturers are pushing large displacement, forced induction cars that are highly performant for a relatively low price tag.

Look at the Camaro ZL1, Corvette Z06, and Mustang GT350/GT350R. The US manufacturers have stepped up their game, and (with the exception of Dodge) are now making cars that can go fast in both a straight line, and a turn.

Hell, you can get a 680 horsepower Roush supercharged Mustang GT with full warranty for under $40k, or 727 horsepower with a parts only warranty for the same price.

Don't get me wrong, I love my M, but they need a more hardcore model at a competitive price point (like an S63 in an M2 GTS for ~$80k).

[crzydave17]

The E90 is the latest generation M car I'm interested in. I will probably hold on to this for a few years and move on to try something else. Just wanted to see what all the fuss was about with the M badge.

I would like to stay pre 2010 going forward because I don't want all the fancy tech in cars now.

[-BEASTMW-]

Probably not. I have owned and LOVED an E39M and E90M (plan to keep a long time) and am just not that interested. Recently drove an M4, X5M, M6 GC and M750i and felt great getting back into my E90.

Things I love most about my E90M are:
-Unique Motorsport engine that is N/A, high redline, ITBs, sounds great
-RWD
-MT
-Good steering feel
-Not too big
-Not overly complicated

It's fast enough for me, so tell me how any current M car can improve upon or even match all of these attributes? M2 is slightly smaller/lighter but at the expense of 4 doors and a relatively meh engine. If I narrowed my search to coupes, I'd be looking at a GT350 or used Porsche, not an M2.

BMW M gives me no reason to update what I have (maybe one might be weight, but they'd gave to go further than the minor difference in the F80 M3) and no longer has much to set it apart from competitors.

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by impulsE89

I am at a loss as to where the HP can be enjoyed on public roads. OK when they had 300 HP that was usable for everyday response but now they are up to 600. Maybe I am getting old and I remember how much fun i was driving slow cars fast. A lot of early Porsches and BMWs were not as fast as a 328 sedan is now.
Oops sorry to get the thread off track.

I'm with you. E90 M3 has better than 9lbs/HP. I've driven a lot of new cars recently with 550-600hp and while impressive and hilarious, it's only fun for a brief moment and isn't quite as enjoyable on a challenging road.

From the E90 M3, I'd rather something lighter than more powerful.

[phantomF80]

Originally Posted by -BEASTMW-

I'm with you. E90 M3 has better than 9lbs/HP. I've driven a lot of new cars recently with 550-600hp and while impressive and hilarious, it's only fun for a brief moment and isn't quite as enjoyable on a challenging road.

From the E90 M3, I'd rather something lighter than more powerful.

I am with you guys. Having owned E46 330i ZHP, F80, and now a MKVII GTI as daily drivers, I would say the E46 and GTI are much more fun than F80 for daily driving. F80 is a very impressive car, and I really enjoyed it when I had a chance to drive one at Thermal Club. However, I can't push F80 through the gears like I can with E46 and GTI without getting into trouble quickly. It also is a bit numb in typical driving conditions, whereas E46 ZHP (with GTI a close 2nd) always bring a smile to my face. I was hooked to BMW with the E46 (I still regret selling it), but I have been exploring other brands after owning the F80.

[uniqueMR]

I agree. BMW and M brand is going towards profits, sales, etc. I understand every company is in business to make profit but diluting brand is big no no. I do not prefer BMW going towards M packages for their cars (such as M340i, M760, M550, so on).


BMW certainly should go towards Porsche route where they make track focus beasts: GT2, GT3 or GT3 RS. We should have something special and different from BMW M.


I was able to lay hands on M4 GTS but it doesn’t feel special as Porsche GT3. BMW M should make a real GTS and charge $150K but car needs to be worth it and should blow away 99% cars on street, track.

[jakebarrell]

The M series of cars has always been BMW's main focus...there is just something about driving an M series car.

[MJCRO]

I voted mostly not.

My first foray into BMW was the E30. It began it’s life as stock, and eventually progressed in me modifying it (engine swap, proper suspension, etc.) After selling that car, I’ve always been in love with the feel of analog BMWs, and the general balance they provide in daily usability and performance.

The M2 will likely be my only M purchase as it’s highly likely the new M2/M3/M4 will become automatic only, hybrid-type vehicles. I feel the M2 is the last true homage to the E30 M3/E46 M3 lineage we’ve all learned to regard and respect.

The natural progression for me next will likely be the 911 GT3. I just hope Porsche continues to offer NA engines in the GT3 for at least another decade.